When talking about the Utah Jazz and their history, the discussions usually go right to the 1990’s. The years of John Stockton and Karl Malone, and their two trips to the NBA Finals.
Malone, one of the best scorers of all-time, was regularly putting up monster numbers. He eclipsed the 50-point plateau on four occasions in Utah. And 27 years later, another player has finally passed the milestone.
Lauri Markkanen, who had scored 40+ points on three occasions, hit a pair of free throws at the end of overtime against the Phoenix Suns on October 27. This put him right on the pedestal with The Mailman.
Lauri Markkanen Joins Karl Malone
When talking about Karl Malone, it’s usually about his big performances. He played with Utah for all but one year during his illustrious career, and retired as the number-two leading scorer in NBA history. And it seemed no Utah player has been able to live up to the level of play he set during his time here.
Enter Lauri Markkanen, now in his fourth year with the Jazz and an All-Star three seasons ago. When healthy, he has proven to be a very capable player. Fresh off another strong showing with Finland in the EuroBasket, he’s continued to play at a high level. Against the Suns on Monday night, that reached its apex.
Markkanen had 20 points when the game hit halftime. Utah was going back and fourth with Phoenix, and this was a contest that would test the resolve of both squads until the final whistle finally sounded. And in the game’s waning moments, with the Jazz star sitting at 49 points, he was fouled intentionally.
It’s worth noting that Lauri was 15-15 at the FT stripe before this trip to the line, a two-point lead in tow. He calmly made both and got himself over the hump. The first player in franchise history to drop 50+ in a regular season game since 1998. More importantly, they got the victory and improved to 2-1.
51 points. 14 rebounds. A good day to be the wearer of number 23 for the Utah Jazz.
Projecting What’s Next for Markkanen and the Utah Jazz
The main focuses of the 2024-25 season for the Jazz were certainly not expected to be the win-loss results. But a 2-1 start and a 50-point night from Lauri Markkanen should certainly have the fans excited.
It was supposed to be about player development. The emergence of lottery pick Ace Bailey. The improved play of guys like Isaiah Collier and Keyonte George. The return of Taylor Hendricks. As the team has dealt with some early injuries, players have emerged. Veteran Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk even has a +/- of +62 through three games while filling in as a starter.
Markkanen and big man Walker Kessler look to be a formidable duo. The team has looked extremely competent out of the gates. And fans should have plenty to be excited about. The future of this team is already on the roster. And, their best player is hanging 50+ in a duel with Devin Booker.
As Utah looks ahead, they should continue to take it one game at a time. They should be excited about what they have in Markkanen as a leader both on the floor and in the locker room.
Closing Thoughts
And one final note on the 50-point game, here. As some of you may be wondering about the guy that scored 50+ twice for the Jazz in the 2020 NBA Playoffs (bubble).
Not to discount Donovan Mitchell and his two 50-point games in round 1 against the Nuggets in 2020, of course. The playoffs are in their own category. And only fitting after all, that the player who was the centerpiece of the Mitchell trade is the one to make history for the franchise.
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